Learning a foreign language is critical for students, as it gives them both practical skills and lifelong advantages that they can use in the world. 387 students at the high school study a foreign language. When students start junior high, they have the option to take a foreign language class, which they can continue throughout high school. Many students decide to take a language to learn about a culture outside of the United States and enhance their cognitive skills. At Greater Latrobe, there are numerous classes offered to emphasize the importance of foreign language. French, German and Spanish students can take those classes up to the AP level. Students in Foreign Language classes are able to travel around the world. Last July, students in the senior high taking French, Spanish, or German had the opportunity to travel to France and Spain. In the summer of 2026, Spanish students will have the option to travel to Peru, and utilise their Spanish skills. Global foods is a class where students get the chance to learn about foods all over the globe and the traditions and cultures behind them. Foreign Language in the Elementary Schools (FLES) allows senior high students to teach a foreign language to the elementary students in the district. Not only do they get to enhance their foreign language skills, but they also pass language skills down to the future generations of learners.
Learning another language improves students’ ability to think outside of the box and think globally. Students gain insights into different cultures, perspectives, and traditions, which leads to respect for diversity and cultural understanding. Many colleges look for knowledge of foreign languages. Many students that take a foreign language have global awareness,and critical thinking skills, which prepares them for success in school and in their future career. According to the University of Auburn, the number one reason that students should study another language is that foreign language study creates more positive attitudes and less judgment towards people who are different.
Mrs. Zalewski, junior and senior high French teacher and Global Scholars advisor, has used her knowledge in French and Spanish to live in France and Mexico, along with visiting her French host family in Canada. Zalewski attended the language institute Clariffe, in August 1998 before starting at the Universite Catholique de Lille in September of 1998 in Lille, France. She finished the program in July of 1999. She has been able to make connections with people across the globe. “It has given me friendships all over the world,” Mrs. Zalewski said. Her genuine interest in the language has also opened up many career opportunities to teach others the French language. “I don’t think I could teach and do what I do comfortably with as much confidence if I hadn’t done all of that. Knowing another language has opened so many doors for me.” said Zalewski. She believes that immersing yourself in another language opens up so many new opportunities, experiences, and more.
Allison Massaro, a French IV student, travelled to France and Spain over the summer with the school. Allison recalls when she was able to converse with a native French speaker in Biarritz, France. “I was buying a purse at the Longchamp store, and I was actually able to talk to the lady and understand. I was like ‘wow, I’m speaking another language.’” Having knowledge of another language and culture allows you to have these moments and grow in your cultural appreciation and understanding. Allison also believes that knowing another language has helped her better understand certain cultures and have unlimited perspectives of the world. Being able to have empathy towards other cultures is essential for growth and development.
Learning a foreign language opens you up to so many different opportunities and experiences that you can only experience with your knowledge in another language. It gives you critical thinking, empathy, and cultural awareness. Learning another language can happen at any time in life; the two key ingredients to learning a foreign language are practice and patience.
